Local car buyers lose £1000’s in scam

Trading Standards has urged caution for car buyers after locals were robbed of thousands of pounds in a car buying scam.

It has emerged that in the past few weeks advertisements have appeared in local newspapers and car sale websites for various vehicles at exceptionally keen prices.

The sellers who have engaged in dialogue with prospective customers solely by text and email, claimed to be selling their car privately as they were returning to Sweden after long term working in Northern Ireland and no longer wishing to own a right hand drive car.

According to the Department for the Economy statement promises were also made of a safe payment method and delivery through a third party logistics company.

“Fortunately some of the intended victims who engaged with the seller became wary, terminated their dealings and phoned Consumerline to advise of their suspicions,” added the statement.

“However, two consumers lost out when one paid almost £5,000 by bank transfer for a Ford Kuga, while another paid £3,500 for a Volkswagen Golf. Both individuals now find themselves having lost a sizeable sum of money and without a car to show for it.”

In each case a link was sent to the consumers that opened up a specially created website for the fake logistics company.

This highlights how scammers are targeting unsuspecting people by using increasingly sophisticated and manipulative tactics.

Bill Malloy, Trading Standards Service, said: “There is now a constant onslaught on consumers every day as scammers think up more ways of parting people from their money. Trading Standards Service advice is to stop, think and be sceptical. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be rushed into sending off money to someone you do not know, however plausible they might sound and even where an approach is personalised.”

Consumers who feel that they are a victim of a scam or suspect a scam should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or alternatively log onto the Consumerline website at http://www.consumerline.org